Banbridge Under-17s completed the Ulster League and Cup double with a hard-fought win over Ballynahinch in the Cup Final played at Ravenhill last Saturday.
The Bann side had just returned on Wednesday night from an arduous tour in the Biarritz area of France. And after electing to play the first half into the strong wind blowing down the pitch, they needed to dig deep to turn round a 10-17 interval deficit.
‘Hinch kicked a penalty to take the lead early in the game but after a fine break from centre William Baird, his midfield partner Adam Doherty scored an unconverted try in the corner.
A converted try allowed the Ballymacarn Park side to take a 10-5 lead but Bann hit back through a series of rucks, Kacper Kruzycki giving the final pass to let Peter Cromie touch down at the corner flag and level the scores.
Bann’s defence was found wanting when the ‘Hinch centre cut through to score a converted try before the break.
The second half was played almost entirely in the ‘Hinch half but Bann had to battle hard for the two scores that ultimately saw them lift the trophy.
An attempted clearance kick was caught by the wind and Cromie was first to react, fielding the ball and dropping over the line for a try that again went unconverted.
Jonny Adams had a try disallowed for a forward pass but as the pressure was maintained on the beleaguered ‘Hinch defence, Bann re-cycled several times before Doherty found Ben Cross and the winger dived over the line for the winning try.
